Michael Argall

A Travis County Sheriff's Department employee and avid bicyclist died Saturday after he was struck by a minivan while cycling three miles west of Fredericksburg.

Officials with Texas Department of Public Safety said Michael Argall, 45, was riding eastbound in the right lane of U.S. 290 at 8:13 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Honda Odyssey driven by a Pflugerville resident. The driver said she did not see Argall in the road because the rising sun was in her eyes. The incident is still under investigation, officials said.

Argall joined the Travis County Sheriff's Department in 1988 and worked in the corrections bureau as a safety officer. He had served in the Air Force and was in the reserves for 20 years. Jail Administrator Maj. Darren Long said Argall was "a model employee" who had received numerous commendations for his work at the sheriff's department.

"He was a part of our family, and we lost a family member," he said. "He was a good guy, good father. He was a person respected in our department and out in the community as well."

Officer Steven Wentrcek, Argall's supervisor and close friend of 14 years, said Argall was a good listener and kept a level head despite pressures at work.

"He was the kind of employee that he would do what needed to be done without me having to ask him to do it," he said. "He consistently exceeded the sheriff's office expectations. It's going to be hard to continue on without him."

Wentrcek said Argall had won two silver medals for cycling at the Texas Police Games in June.

Argall was a running and cycling coach with Rogue Training Systems, an athletic training center and apparel store in Austin. Co-workers at Rogue Training Systems are planning a memorial bike ride to honor Argall on July 20 at Lake Pflugerville. The center is also collecting donations to set up a scholarship fund for Argall's three children.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Gateway Community Church, 7104 McNeil Drive.